title: Severe oral ulceration in patients with HIV infection: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Oral ulceration occurs in an estimated 2-4% of patients with HIV infection. This retrospective observational study describes the aetiology and characteristics of 94 HIV-positive patients with either severe and/or recurrent oral ulceration presenting at a dedicated HIV dental unit over a 4-year period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case records were reviewed for diagnosis investigations, CD4 count, CDC stage and treatment modality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 94 patients 50% had an AIDS diagnosis. In patients with asymptomatic HIV disease minor recurrent oral ulceration was the commonest diagnosis whilst large non-specific neutropenic ulcers were more frequently seen in patients with symptomatic disease with low CD4 counts. A variety of treatment modalities were used including thalidomide. An algorithm is presented for the management of patients with severe oral ulceration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine, St Bartholomew's, London, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zakrzewska
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013792:Thalidomide